Sometimes the best gifts come from the unexpected, the long forgotten. My gift is coming in the mail. I haven't seen it in forty-plus years.I know there are people who scoff at Facebook, but for me, it has been a bridge to connect with family and childhood friends who live in other states. When I married, I moved away from my hometown, and eventually from our home state of West Virginia to the beautiful state of South Carolina. We've been in South Carolina nearly 29 years. But I digress...
As I was scrolling through Facebook, I came across the picture of someone who'd recently joined. I recognized her face immediately. I sent a friend request, and she responded with a lovely private message.
The next morning, I awakened to another message from her telling me she had something of mine from when we were about eleven or twelve years old. She wanted to know if I would like to have it back, that she would be happy to send it to me. She said she'd kept it all these years hoping to find me one day.
Wait till I tell you what it is...if you've been reading my blog for any length of time you know I'm a sentimental sap so it couldn't get any better than this.
Are you ready?
She has a Bible that was given to me by my parents. She said I'd loaned it to her when she went to church with me. Now for some, that may not seem like anything special, but for me, there couldn't be a better gift.I've spent the last several months in counseling, finally learning how to grieve losing a mother to cancer at the age of fifteen. Many things happened to me that prevented the grieving process. The anniversary of her death is approaching in a few days. To receive this most precious childhood Bible during this season of my life is truly a gift from heaven.
Losing a parent at Christmas is difficult, having a Bible returned at Christmas is a gift I will cherish.
Having a friend that cared enough to keep it all these years is even more amazing. As someone recently said to me, "tears are my only response."
How can you bless someone this Christmas with the unexpected? It doesn't have to cost much, or anything at all. It can be a gift of time or talent. The best gifts come from the heart and cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
My gift is priceless, and one I'll remember for many years to come, as well as the giver.
Christmas Blessings,
Cindy
What an amazing story, Cindy! You've been blessed. Enjoy your Christmas gift.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet! I have been blessed and Christmas is here!
DeleteAh, such a gift. I have lost my beautiful Mother in Law at Christmas, my mom, a year ago today; and will celebrate Christmas without our son, called so early home. . .The grief so overwhelming at times, yet the gifts, the beautiful gifts that are given, missed, if the eyes are not open to seeing. Thank you for sharing. Such hope.
ReplyDeleteTammy, I feel your pain so deeply. Grief can be crippling at times but God is our strength. It was a stronghold for so many years. I'm just learning how to grieve. Tears are our friends...let them flow as long and as much as needed. No one told me that years ago. Talk about your son and have remembrance of him. Thank you for sharing with me and others! The timing of this gift is God's gift to me in remembrance!
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled for you, Cindy. I can only imagine how much this means to you. God is so good in his comfort at just the right time.
ReplyDeleteYes Laura, His timing is perfect! You know more than most how important this gift is to me. I am awed by His goodness!
DeleteLovely gift, lovely friend . . . blessed.
ReplyDeleteJo Ann, yes I am blessed indeed! My heart is full right now. Christmas has come! Thank you for stopping by, I hope your load has lightened a bit for the Christmas season!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Cindy and how very special! Love how you turned around your blessing to ask us how we can bless someone with the unexpected this Christmas. This really has me thinking...
ReplyDeleteKatrina, it is so special! Since I posted this morning, it arrived in the mail! I cannot express my feelings adequately...love has been expressed that she may never grasp but for me, Christmas has come! I'm so happy to share and help others do a little thinking...Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThat's the best gift yet! Thank you for sharing the story with us!
ReplyDeleteYes I would agree, it's the best gift! Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate the encouragement! Merry Christmas!
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